Computing Science (Artificial Intelligence)

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MEng Computing Science (Artificial Intelligence)*

Study Artificial Intelligence at AFG College with the University of Aberdeen in Qatar.

Computing Science (Artificial Intelligence)

The MEng Computing Science (Artificial Intelligence) is a five-year integrated Master's programme that combines our four-year BSc Computing Science with an additional year of postgraduate-level study. This extra year enhances your ability to solve real-world problems while deepening your expertise in the growing field of AI.

This integrated Masters programme offers a direct pathway from undergraduate to postgraduate study, giving you a significant competitive advantage in today's technology-driven job market. The first four years of the programme cover the theory and practice of modern computing including software programming, database systems, computer architecture, cybersecurity, and data management. You will tackle real-world challenges across commercial, scientific, and social contexts, from healthcare diagnostics to business analytics and secure e-commerce solutions.
 
In your fifth year, you will be immersed in AI's complete landscape, covering machine learning, natural language processing, data mining, knowledge representation, and distributed AI systems. You'll not only master cutting-edge techniques but also explore the ethical and legal frameworks shaping AI's future.
 
Upon graduation, you'll be prepared to enter high-demand roles in AI development, data science, cybersecurity, software engineering, and emerging technology sectors. The specialised AI focus you gain will open doors to careers in machine learning engineering, AI research, intelligent systems development, and technology consulting, all areas that are currently offering unprecedented career opportunities.
 

*This programme is subject to approval from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar.

At a glance

On Campus Learning
MEng
5 Years
Full Time
September

What You'll Study

Stage 1
Programming (CS 1032)

This course will be delivered in two halves. The first half will provide a self-contained introduction to computer programming. It will be accessible to all undergraduates. Students will be exposed to the basic principles of computer programming, e.g. fundamental programming techniques, concepts, algorithms and data structures. The course contains lectures where the principles are systematically developed. As the course does not presuppose knowledge of these principles, we start from basic intuitions. The second half will be particularly of use to those studying Science and Engineering subjects, broadly interpreted, as well as Computing and IT specialists. It will include a gentle introduction to professional issues and security concepts.

View detailed information about the Programming course

Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing (CS 1029)

This course will introduce students to techniques that support problem solving and modelling with computers, and concepts and methods that are fundamental to computing science. The techniques and concepts will be illustrated with numerous computing examples.

View detailed information about the Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing course

Web Development (CS 1534)

Students will learn to develop modern web applications using a variety of languages and frameworks as part of their degree, and prepare them for whatever they do after graduation. A key focus will be on the integration of HTML with CSS and Javascript with other backing frameworks to develop dynamic applications. The course is open to all undergraduates, and is accessible to those with no previous experience.

View detailed information about the Web Development course

Object-Oriented Programming (CS 1527)

This course will build on the basic programming skills acquired in the first half-session and equip the students with advanced object oriented programming knowledge, implementation of data structure and algorithms, and basic software engineering techniques. The students will be challenged with more complicated programming problems through a series of continuous assessments.

View detailed information about the Object-Oriented Programming course

Algebra (MA 1006)

This course introduces the concepts of complex numbers, matrices and other basic notions of linear algebra over the real and complex numbers. This provides the necessary mathematical background for further study in mathematics, physics, computing science, chemistry and engineering.

View detailed information about the Algebra course

30 credits from courses of choice

Stage 2
Software Programming (CS2020)

This course is concerned with tools and techniques for scalable and dependable software programming. It focusses primarily on the Java programming language and related technologies. The course gives extensive programming practice in Java. It covers in depth features of the language and how best to use them, the execution model of the language, memory management, design principles underpinning the language, and comparisons with other languages. Tools for collaboration, productivity, and versioning will also be discussed.

View detailed information about the Software Programming course

Databases and Data Management (CS2019)

Databases are an important part of traditional information systems (offline /online) as well as modern data science pipelines. This course will be of interest to anyone who wishes to learn to design and query databases using major database technologies. The course aims to teach the material using case studies from real-world applications, both in lectures and lab classes.

In addition, the course covers topics including management of different kinds of data such as spatial data and data warehousing. The course provides more hands-on training that develops skills useful in practice.

View detailed information about the Databases and Data Management course

Human Computer Interaction (CS2506)

This course looks at why a computer system that interacts with human beings needs to be usable. It covers a set of techniques that allow usability to be taken into account when a system is designed and implemented, and also a set of techniques to assess whether usability has been achieved. Weekly practical sessions allow students to practice these techniques. The assessed coursework (which is normally carried out by groups of students) gives an opportunity to go through the design process for a concrete computer system, with a particular focus on ensuring usability.

View detailed information about the Human Computer Interaction course

Algorithms and Data Structures (CS2522)

This course provides the knowledge needed to understand, design and compare algorithms.  By the end of the course, a student should be able to create or adapt algorithms to solve problems, determine an algorithm's efficiency, and be able to implement it. The course also introduces the student to a variety of widely used algorithms and algorithm creation techniques, applicable to a range of domains. The course will introduce students to concepts such as pseudo-code and computational complexity, and make use of proof techniques. The practical component of the course will build on and enhance students' programming skills.

View detailed information about the Algorithms and Data Structures course


Plus 60 credit points from courses of choice

Stage 3
Artificial Intelligence (CS3033)

The course provides an introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI). It discusses fundamental problems of AI and their computational solution via key concepts.

View detailed information about the Artificial Intelligence course

Operating Systems (CS3026)

This course discusses core concepts and architectures of operating systems, in particular the management of processes, memory and storage structures. Students will learn about the scheduling and operation of processes and threads, problems of concurrency and means to avoid race conditions and deadlock situations. The course will discuss virtual memory management, file systems and issues of security and recovery. In weekly practical session, students will gain a deeper understanding of operating system concepts with various programming exercises.

View detailed information about the Operating Systems course

Principles of Software Engineering (CS3028)

Students will develop large commercial and industrial software systems as a team-based effort that puts technical quality at centre stage. The module will focus on the early stage of software development, encompassing team building, requirements specification, architectural and detailed design, and software construction. Group work (where each team of students will develop a system selected using a business planning exercise) will guide the software engineering learning process. Teams will be encouraged to have an active, agile approach to problem solving through the guided study, evaluation and integration of practically relevant software engineering concepts, methods, and tools.

View detailed information about the Principles of Software Engineering course

Software Engineering and Professional Practice (CS3528)

In this module, which is the follow-up of CS3028, students will focus on the team-based development of a previously specified, designed, and concept-proofed software system. Each team will build their product to industrial-strength quality standards following an agile process and applying the software engineering concepts, methods, and tools introduced in CS3028. The course includes a series of mandatory participatory seminars on professional and management issues in IT and IT projects. Students will be expected to relate their engineering work to these issues.

View detailed information about the Software Engineering and Professional Practice course

Distributed Systems and Security (CS3524)

This course discusses core concepts of distributed systems, such as programming with distributed objects, multiple threads of control, multi-tire client-server systems, transactions and concurrency control, distributed transactions and commit protocols, and fault-tolerant systems. The course also discusses aspects of security, such as cryptography, authentication, digital signatures and certificates, SSL etc. Weekly practical sessions cover a set of techniques for the implementation of distributed system concepts such as programming with remote object invocation, thread management and socket communication.

View detailed information about the Distributed Systems and Security course

Plus 30 credits from courses of choice

Stage 4
Research Methods (CS4040)

In this course, you will conduct an individual research project into the behaviour of a computing system. You will develop knowledge and understanding of rigorous methods to: explore computing system behaviour; identify questions about behaviour; design experiments to answer those questions; analyse experimental results; and report on the outcomes of your research. You will develop your understanding of research ethics and how this relates to professional behaviour.

View detailed information about the Research Methods course

Security (CS4028)

The course provides a solid foundation in computer and information security. It will cover topics of Information and Risk, Threats and Attacks, Cybersecurity Architecture and Operations, Secure Systems and Products, Cybersecurity Management and Trustworthy Software.

View detailed information about the Security course

Single Honours Computing Project (CS4527)

Consists of a supervised project which provides experience of investigating a real problem in computing science, or a computing application/technology. Learners will apply knowledge and skills gained earlier in their degree programme, and seek to go even further. Managing the project and presenting the results obtained are an integral part of the investigation.

View detailed information about the Single Honours Computing Project course

Stage 5
Symbolic AI (CS502K)

This course presents the fundamental techniques of Artificial Intelligence, used in system such as Google Maps, Siri, IBM Watson, as well as industrial automation systems, and which are core to emerging products such as self-driving vehicles. This course will equip the student to understand how such AI technologies operate, their implementation details, and how to use them effectively. This course therefore provides the building blocks necessary for understanding and using AI techniques and methodologies.

View detailed information about the Symbolic AI course

Machine Learning (CS5062)

This course will deliver the most sophisticated Machine Learning methodologies and algorithms which would be illustrated across a wide range of applications including but not limited to images, videos, health, time series data, language processing, etc. This course provides students with the Machine Learning principles for continuing learning and working in the area of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

View detailed information about the Machine Learning course

Evaluation of AI Systems (CS5063)

One of the biggest challenges in Artificial Intelligence is evaluating how well AI systems work.   This course will provide students of our MSc in AI with knowledge of core evaluation concepts, approaches, tools, techniques and technologies; we will also look at software testing of AI systems.

View detailed information about the Evaluation of AI Systems course

Applied Artificial Intelligence (CS5079)

This course will allow students to use cutting-edge AI technologies to investigate the creation and application of AI systems. Such tools include deep learning libraries and simulation environments.

View detailed information about the Applied Artificial Intelligence course

Informatics Project (CS551M)

Consists of a supervised project that provides experience of investigating a real problem in computing science, or a computing application/technology. Presenting the results obtained is an integral part of the investigation.

View detailed information about the Informatics Project course

How You'll Study

Course delivery is by means of lectures, seminars and small group tutorials. On specific courses, these will be supplemented by external speakers.

Learning Methods

Group Projects
Individual Projects
Lectures
Tutorials

Assessment Methods

 

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
  • Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
  • Written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Computing Science (Artificial Intelligence)

 

Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030

  • Supports Qatar’s goal of transforming into a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.
  • Addresses national priorities in human, economic, and technological development.

 Industry-Relevant Skillset

  • Gain expertise in Symbolic AI, Machine Learning, Data Mining, and Natural Language Processing.
  • Learn to engineer, develop, and evaluate AI systems applicable to real-world challenges.

 Strategic Relevance to Qatar’s Key Sectors

  • High demand for AI talent across energy, healthcare, cybersecurity, education, and smart city development.
  • Equips graduates to contribute to Qatar’s digital infrastructure and national innovation agenda.

Global and Regional Job Opportunities

  • AI roles like Machine Learning Engineer are among the fastest-growing jobs worldwide (LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise report).
  • Strong local demand for AI specialists in both government and private sectors in Qatar.

Hands-On Research and Innovation

  • Final-year research project strengthens problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.
  • Opportunity to apply AI tools and techniques to Qatar-specific challenges.

 World-Class Academic Excellence

  • Study at the University of Aberdeen, a global leader in AI and Computing Science.
  • Home to ARRIA NLG, a pioneer in Natural Language Generation technologies.

Empowering Qatar’s Future Leaders in Technology

  • Prepare for leadership roles in digital transformation and AI innovation in the region.
  • Be part of building Qatar’s reputation as a regional AI and tech innovation hub.

Academic Requirements

  • Qatar Public Schools: 70% or above in the Thanawiyah.
  • British Schools: 5 passes at C or above in IGCSE and 2 passes at C or above in AS.
  • American Schools: Minimum cumulative 2.3 High School GPA.
  • International Baccalaureate – IB: Complete International Baccalaureate with a minimum of 26 points, including 3 subjects at 4,3,3 at HL.
  • Diplomas and International transfer: There will be advance standing opportunities for suitably qualified applicants. We would expect such applicants to have successfully completed either a minimum of two years of an equivalent degree, or hold a relevant diploma from international institutions and in Qatar.

English Language Requirements

If the most recent academic qualification not taught in English, we may also ask applicants to supply us with evidence of English proficiency by providing a minimum overall IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in each section Or equivalent.

Documents Required

  • High School Certificate
  • High School Transcript
  • Attestation letter from the Equivalency Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education – Qatar
  • NOC from Military Service (Male Qataris only)
  • Diploma certificate (Transfer applicants only)
  • Diploma transcript (Transfer applicants only)
  • CV (Transfer applicants only)
  • Copy of QID

Fees

  • The tuition fee for entry in September is 89,000 QR per year, and 105,000 QR for the 5th year.
  • Tuition fees are fixed at the point of entry so there is no annual increase for returning students.
  • Flexible payment methods are available.